Table 3.
Overview: empirical studies of perfectionism and insomnia.
| Author (Year) | Sample | Measures | Main findings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Akram et al., 2015 | Members of the general population (N = 76 at baseline; N = 57 after 12 months) | FMPSa HFMPSb ISIc |
Baseline insomnia severity was associated with higher scores on the subscales doubts about action and parental criticism at follow-up (12 months later). This relationship was partially mediated by baseline anxiety. |
| Akram et al., 2017 | Individuals with insomnia disorder (N = 39) and normal sleepers (N = 39) | FMPS HFMPS |
Compared to normal sleepers, individuals with insomnia displayed higher scores on the subscales concern over mistakes, doubts about action, and parental criticism. These differences were partially mediated by anxiety. |
| Azevedo et al., 2009 | University students (N = 1163) | HFMPS 2 sleep items |
Difficulties falling asleep and maintaining sleep were associated with higher scores on the subscale socially prescribed perfectionism. In female participants, difficulties falling asleep and maintaining sleep were also associated with higher scores on the subscale self-oriented perfectionism. |
| Azevedo et al. (2010) | University students (N = 870 at baseline; N = 592 after 1 year; N = 305 after 2 years) | HFMPS 2 sleep items |
Difficulties falling asleep and maintaining sleep at 2 follow-ups (after 1 and 2 years) were associated with higher scores on the subscale socially prescribed perfectionism. |
| Brand et al., 2015 | University students (N = 346) | FMPS ISI PSQId |
Insomnia severity was associated with higher scores on the aggregated subscales concern over mistakes and doubts about action, parental expectations and criticism, and personal standards. These associations were mediated by perceived stress, stress coping, emotion regulation, and mental toughness. |
| Jansson-Fröjmark and Linton, 2007 | Random sample of the general population (N = 1936) | FMPS (2 subscales) BNSQe USIf |
Insomnia severity at baseline and at follow-up (12 months later) was related to higher baseline scores on the subscale concern over mistakes. These associations were no longer significant when baseline emotional distress (anxiety and depression) were controlled for. |
| Johann et al., 2017 | Unselected sleep laboratory patients (N = 334) | FMPS PSGg |
The FMPS total score was associated with the number of nocturnal awakenings on the first sleep laboratory night. The subscales concern over mistakes, personal standards, parental expectations, and parental criticism were significantly associated with markers of poor sleep. |
| Lin et al., 2017 | Adolescent students (N = 1664) | APSRh PSQI |
Insomnia severity was associated with higher scores on the subscale discrepancy (maladaptive perfectionism). The association between maladaptive perfectionism and insomnia was mediated by worry and rumination. |
| Lombardo et al., 2013 | Community sample of adults (N = 819 at baseline; N = 720 after 3 months) | FMPS PSQI |
Insomnia severity was associated with higher depression scores at baseline and at follow-up (after 3 months). This association was partly mediated by concern over mistakes and doubts about action (both measured only at baseline). |
| Lundh et al., 1994 | Study 1: random sample of the general population, age- and gender-stratified (N = 383) Study 2: patients with persistent insomnia (N = 70) |
FMPS BNSQ USI |
Study 1: Insomnia severity was associated with a higher FMPS total score and with higher scores on the subscales concern over mistakes, doubts about action, and personal standards. Study 2: Compared to normal sleepers, insomnia patients obtained higher scores on the subscales concern over mistakes, doubts about action, and personal standards. |
| Vincent and Walker, 2000 | Adults with chronic insomnia (N = 32) and healthy controls (N = 26) | FMPS HFMPS PSQI |
Compared to healthy controls, adults with chronic insomnia obtained higher scores on the FMPS subscales concern over mistakes, doubts about action, and parental criticism. Among participants with chronic insomnia, parental criticism was associated with the PSQI subscale sleep-onset latency. |
aFrost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale. bHewitt and Flett’s Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale. cInsomnia Severity Index. dPittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. eBasic Nordic Sleep Questionnaire. fUppsala Sleep Inventory. gPolysomnography. hAlmost Perfectionism Scale-Revised.